I've driven a 5AT non-revup 350Z, a 2006 6MT Z, a 2007 6MT Z, a 5AT G35, had a 2006 6MT G35, currently have a 6MT G37....

I've driven a e90 335i and e92 335i, both 6AT and 6MT. I've driven a 328i, 325, and other bimmers but those I just mentioned seem to be the relevant ones.

The 07 350Z is just as fast as the 335i. It's suspension is much better tuned to autocross and appeared as though it would handle high speed tracks better as well. Being just as fast, having a better track suspension and an LSD - why yes, on paper as well as when I drove it, the 350Z was the better sports car.

As for the other comment - In my opinion, the 335i has a great balance between power and handling. The 325 and 328 (especially the 325), much less so. It was surprising that BMW would create and ultimately obselete the 330i so fast. What brought them to put a much more powerful engine in the 3er so soon? It makes sense to me that both the G and the 335i have pushed each other in different ways. The G37 isn't much faster than the G35, but it is immensely more refined and is a better car than the G35 in several ways. Seems like both BMW and Infiniti tried to correct their weaknesses against their rival.

Both of those points may be opinions, but they seem pretty reasonable to me. I find it interesting that of all the posts in here, you would call mine out as a fanboy, but not someone who posts that the only thing Japanese cars do well is mpg...

As someone who autocrosses on a regular basis, I figure I'll add my 2 cents. Compared to a stock 335i, the Z is definitely a tighter car. From my two experiences auto-xing a Z, the turn in is sharp.. however, it never seemed as easy or balanced powering out as the 3 does, even with it's LSD. While the Z's suspension is better suited to track performance compared to the E92, the chassis doesn't seem to be up to the 3. And it's a lot easier to swap suspension than it is to swap a chassis.

How does this apply to the topic? You can change wheels, body kits, engines, suspension setups, etc, and at the end of the day, you're only as good as the chassis you're built on. Thus, if I didn't feel like the IS350 suited my needs, i'm not sure an IS-F would change that.

So EJ, yes I agree that a 350z is as fast as a 335i, however, it's a lot more difficult to drive at the limit, and while stock vs. stock the motors are nearly equally capable, if you put $5000 into both cars (we'll say $2500 for aftermarket bmw suspension and $1500 for engine paraphenelia, and however you'd like to do the Z) and the Z will be outmatched everytime. Before you take this as a Z attack, read my previous post. I love the Z and I enjoyed my experiences in the Z enough to seriously consider buying a Nismo edition, but it's just not quite there yet IMO.

~~~ Edit: after reading what prompted EJ's post, you guys who think a stock 350z can't compete with a stock 335i on a track are nuts. A 350z really does try to be a sports car, whereas the 335i's inherent balance of luxury vs. sport is a clear disadvantage on a track. Not to mention the other cars the "ricer" fans mentioned. I wouldn't even bother going against an S2000 in this car with a stock suspension setup.